How Sound Insulations Work
Sound insulations are insulating materials that work to reduce
the noise that enters a room from outside the home or from other
rooms. These materials can be installed during construction, or
later as a home improvement project. Products that are blown,
such as foams, are easier to install in existing homes.
You can repair insufficiently insulated areas yourself, or hire
a professional to do the job for you. Installing most of these
materials is a fairly easy DIY project for the skilled
homeowner. Some home improvement stores offer weekend workshops
to show you how. How Sound Insulations Work Sound is transmitted
when vibrations move through the air, floors, ceilings and
walls. The sound waves move from one room to the other, or from
the outside of the home to inside. This includes traffic noise
or the sound of noisy neighbors. Insulation is a good sound
absorber and is effective at minimizing the noises entering a
room.
Soundproofing consists of using a barrier of some sort to
prevent sound from entering the space that has been sound
proofed. There are two basic ways to achieve this reduction in
sound: noise absorption and noise reduction. Approaches to Sound
Insulations There are a few approaches to noise level reduction
or noise absorption. A variety of materials can be used for
either purpose. Noise reduction can be accomplished with the use
of space between rooms. The more space, the more room for sound
waves to dissipate. If you increase the distance between the
source of the noise and the space, you will reduce the noise
that enters the space.
The other method, noise absorption, is also referred to as
dampening. With this method, the sound waves are converted to
heat within the insulation. This increases energy efficiency,
while reducing sound. It also suppresses the echoes and
reverberation of sound waves. Materials for Sound Insulations
Rock Wool Insulation is made of all natural materials, such as
diabase or basalt. It is used for insulating the home and
absorbing sound. There are other benefits to this type of
insulation. It is fire resistant and helps control condensation.
In addition, it is resistant to the growth of bacteria, mold and
mildew.
Mineral Wool Insulation is available in either batts or loose
fill. The material is stiff and brittle. Mineral wool is not
only sound proof, but is fire resistant as well.
Fiberboard Insulation is installed under the drywall in your
home. This material reduces sound waves through the walls and
ceilings. It is effective for reducing outdoor noise from
entering your room. This material is an excellent choice if you
live in a city or for homes located on a busy street.
Acoustical Wall Coverings can be attached directly to the
drywall. The best material to use in these wall coverings is
polyester. This material is best at absorbing the sound waves
that you are trying to eliminate.
Cork Squares look like floor tiles, but are made with cork
board. The cork has a self sticking backing that is easy to
apply to the wall surface. If you like the look of the cork, you
can leave it this way. However, if you want it to match the
decoration in your house, you can cover the cork with wallpaper.